Factory stamped control arms

[orcatdog]

Helping our local High School / after school drag race program build a 83 olds cutlass. To make a long story short, between motor, transmission, rear end, roll cage, etc. We are already over our budget to get aftermarket adjustable CA's.
Is there any way or recommendations for us to reinforce or make our stock control arms a little better? Besides maybe poly bushings, is there anything else we can do to save a buck? This program is already being funded 100% by donations as the school like most, is broke.
This will be a foot brake car, about 400 hp (sbc) and turbo 350. Has stock V6 springs front and back, Auburn "shamoo" cop car posi rear end 3:42 gears. Our local track is 1/8 mile only. Shooting for mid 8's so nothing mind blowing. Looks like we are getting a set of 90/10 shocks for the front from a local racer.
Any help / recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

 

[red barn]

You can box the bottom of the factory control arms and add some poly bushings. You can do that to the uppers as well.

 

[orcatdog]

I've been trying to search the archieves to see if anyone has talked about this in the past. Seeing if there is one method better than others as far as boxing them in. Thanks

 

[red barn]

Its a real simple job. Doesn't need to be crazy thick material either. Just cut it about the width of the control arm and stich weld it down the length. I don't have any pictures handy, but I can grab some of my fathers on saturday when I am at his place giving him a hand.